Strip feeding mechanism



March 14, 1944. GRQLL ET AL 2,343,899

STRIP FEEDING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 4, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet l flLw/v f. @9044 INVENTORS K v Alva Nmw/rh R f/nrcfl. BY yW M WM ATTORNEYS.

amh 1944- A. F. GROLL ET AL STRIP FEEDING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 4, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS ALVIN E GRou. flND Zmm 50 7" F8. HATCH.

- w/u ATTORNEYS l 79 AL v/N F mg l E Z/Q mm 0/7 1? HA 76H. BY f 6 Sheets-Sheet III-II- A. F. GROLL ET AL STRIP FEEDING MECHANISM Filed NOV. 4, 1941 MMMM March 14, 1944.

March 14, 1944. A. F. GROLL ET AL STRIP FEEDING MECHANISM I Filed Nov. 4, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 &

5 8 .Vvv 0M E T A N VM. t m m%m i N m MM March 14, 1944. A. F. GROLL ET AL STRIP FEEDING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 4, 1941 SSheets-Sheet 5 Pltflltea Mar. 14, 1944 s'ralr resume MECHANISM Alvin F. Groli and Meredith B. Hatch, Toledo,

Ohio, assignors to E. W. Bliss Company,

Brooklyn, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application November 4, 1941, Serial No. 411,868

39 Claims.

The present invention relates to a mechanism for uncoiling metal strip from reels which are placed in a coil cradle and for flexing said strip while it is fed through a plurality of rolls to a feeding station to be acted on. In handling heavy metal coils of large diameter it is a serious difliculty to get the coil promptly placed and adjusted in the cradle without losin: control over its movement during the operation. It has been, therefore, one of the objects of the invention to provide means which enable the operator to move the coil onto the cradle and adiust it therein smoothly and without heavy iolts.

Another object of the invention has been to provide a novel flexing mechanism comprising a plurality of rolls through which while being uncoiled and which serves the purpose of producing a mechanically uniform metal structure and of eliminating any unevenness in said structure which may have formed in some earlier stage of the fabricating process.

A further object of the invention has been to provide improved control mechanisms for regulating the delivery of the strip from the coil and in general the feed through the device in accordance with the demands of the operations, said control mechanisms consisting partly in hydraulie and partly in electric means as will appear hereafter in the detailed description, all of said means contributing to provide mechanism for handling strip at high speeds.

Where the expression "strip" is used throughout the specification and claims it is meant to indicate sheet metal of any desired width.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, said invention, then, consists of the means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claim; the annexed drawings and the following description setting forth in detail certain mechanism embodying the invention, such disclosed means constituting, however, but one of various mechanical forms in which the principle of the invention may be used.

In said annexed drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the machine with some parts broken away;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. l, the'upper coil cradle being removed; the figure shows some parts in greater detail and on an enlarged scale;

Fig. 3 is a section on line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the cradle rolls and driving mechanism therefor, partly in section taken on lines 4-4 of Fig. i;

. 5-5 ofFig. 4 of the cradle showing apart of the the strip is fed Fig. 5 is a side view partly in section on lines coil about to be placed thereon;

Figs. 6 and '1 are similar views showing later stages in the placing of the coils on the cradle;

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of the hydraulic operating system: and

Fig. 9 is a wiring diagram of the electric .control system. a a I The apparatus generally comprises a-pair of coil cradles, one mounted above the other. Eachof the cradles is power driven to feed strip ma terial through the usual scrubbing rolls to breaker rolls by which the grain ofthe strip is broken. After the strip leaves the breaking rolls it-is fed through a series of rolls and finally passes a sheet feeding device into the particular machine tool which is to operate on'the material. This tool may be a metal working press, for'example, by which the strip is drawn into a fabricated article, such as automobile. fenders or the like.

Referring now to Fig. 1 of the drawings there are shown a pairof reels, the lower being numbered ii and the upper i2. In the case of the former, strip is fed over the top as-indicated in Fig. 1, into the feeding rolls. Onthe other hand, strip is fed on the upper cradle downwardly beneath the feeding rolls. In this way there is provided an easy manner of feeding strip from either cradle to a common point, after which the actual feeding operation takes place. I

It is intended that one cradle shall be employed at a time and that after the strip loaded thereon has been removed the second cradle is called into play while the first is being replenished with stock for feeding.

In order to facilitate the feeding of the strip from the cradles a series ofsmali rolls a areprovided which are mounted on one of two supports ldiFig. 1). One set of rolls is provided for each In initially setting up the apparatus for feed-' ing the operator will manually pass the end of the strip from its supporting cradle to the feed rolls, during the course of which the strip will rest on one or the other sets of guide rolls a. In

Figs. 1 and 2 the lower cradle is shown scheme in operation while the unused strip from the upper cradle is'positioned between the rolls 2!! and 2| in position to be fed when desired.

The rolls i! and 20 which receive the strip from the lower cradle and the rolls 20 and 2i which receive the strip from the upper cradle are brushing rolls which act to remove scale and dirt from the same before it passes further through the apparatus. Succeeding rolls 22, 23 and 24 grip the strip to draw it through the respective aforementioned brushing rolls.

To initially mechanically feed the stripathe rolls 23 and one of the two rolls 22 or 24 are employed. These latter two rolls are journalled in supports 26 andZl respectively (Fig. 2) of. a

pair of frame members 28, which pairs are in turn joumalled on the main frame at 29. Thus, depending on the adjusted position of the mem-: bers 22, the lower strip may be gripped and fed by the rolls 22 and 23 or the upper strip may be gripped and fed by the rolls 22 and 24. To this end the roll 23 is power driven and effects a driving action on the strip by frictional engagement with one pf its cooperating rolls.

A second pair of power driven feed rolls'are provided and are numbered and SI respectively. These rolls, each being journalled in the machine frames H, are maintained in the same relation with regard to each other and act to feed stripirrespec'tive of the adjusted position of the rolls" and 24. In order to control'thetendency of the strip. improperly tounwind from the upper coil a holding roll (Fig. 1) is provided. The .lowercoil, by reason of the position of its cradle is not subject to this tendency.

open a passageway for introducing the metal strip to the machine at the time a new strip is supplied and when the machine is stopped. By pulling the piston rod I68 to the right, block I6! is likewise moved, link I65 is pulled to the right as well and this causes the frame I64 to be rocked about its pivot and lowered, disengaging the two sets of breaker rolls.

The second large rolls corresponding in size to the roll and likewise power driven is indicated in Fig. 2 at 50, this roll being rotatably mounted at 5| with the frame I64. As the strip leaves the,

' flexing mechanism and the breaker rolls it is engaged by the roll 50 and fed on through the apparatus. Such further feeding is accomplished by two pinch rolls B2 and 53, respecthlely mounted on top and bottom of the roll it and in tight engagement therewith. The clutch to The-feeding of the ,stock from the cradles to V -paratively large diameter which is rotatably.

- mounted in the machine at 38 and is power driven during the time of threading the machine. The drive to this roll is then released by a clutch.

- In cooperation with the roll 35 are two small rolls 21 and 38 which act as pinch rolls for the dnetal strip. A guide shoe 40 pivotallymounted I on theframe. at .is employed to hold the strip -against. the roll 25 during thetime when a sheet is initially passed through the apparatus preparatory to continuous feeding. This shoe may be released during'continuous feeding by means of a cam mechanism 41.

The flexing mechanism proper consists of *rolls 3i and I0 and two sets of breakerrolls c and d, one set being disposed above the other for cooperation therewith The rolls of the upper set are, as shown-in Fig. 3, mounted between frame bars 42, one at each side of the machine. These parts inturn carry drive shafts 42 having worms ll fixed thereto. The worms drive worm gears 45 which are threadingly en- .gagedwith eye-bolt members 49 secured to the bars 42 supporting the upper breaker rolls.

. Worm gear shafts are adapted to be engaged by cranks to permit vertical adjustment of the upper set of rolls.

The lower set of breaker rolls is mounted in a frame Ill which is pivotally'carried by a shaft vll. On frame I is a link I pivotally mounted at I" and journalled at the other end in a block I". The blocks in turn support a piston rod "8 at 'a threadedconnection I69, the piston being received in a suitable cylinder. Oil under pressure maybe supplied to the cylinder, as hereinafter described, by a solenoid D to control the operation of thebreaker mechanism.

The purpose of thispiston mechanism is to permit the lower breaker rolls .to be dropped to roll .38 may now be disengaged. A guide shoe 54, corresponding to the shoe 40 only mounted in a fixed position, used for the same purpose, is provided to cooperate with the roll 50.

' In a plane below the flexing mechanism are two curved guide bars 56. one of which is shown in Fig. 2. One end of this bar is pivotally mounted at 51 whereas the other end carries an L-shaped member Bl which is hooked into a loop -of a belt 80, the latter being adapted to be wound up manually on a roll 59 by means of a crank or the like. As'shownin full lines, the guide bar is in the position which it takes when the feeding of strip through the machine is started; at this time it serves as a guiding member for the strip after this leaves roll 50, and before the strip reaches a pair of brushing rolls e and successive gripping rolls 1 which serve for gripping the metal strip and passing it on to a set of straightening rolls 9. As soon as the strip arrives at and is taken up by these rolls, the guide 1 bars are returned to the position shown in dotted "lines where they remain until the next feeding operation starts.

After the strip has passed the straightening 'rolls 0 it is fed out of the machine by feed-out rollsh. Besides the sets of rolls enumerated above a pair of guide rollers ii are provided at the delivery side of the machine, serving as a guide against lateral displacement. Moreover. there are two limit switches, N and M, one serving to slow down the speed of the strip as the strip opens said normally closed switch N, the other to completely stop the end of the strip as soon as it has arrived at the following operating station. During the time of press operationthe strip from the cradle through the breaker and up to the straightening and feed-out rolls will travel at a slow rate of speed. These above menthe same, only one of the cradles has been shown in detail in Figs. 4 to 7 and will now'be described with referenceto these figures. The cradle is mounted on the machine frame I4 and comprises two circular plates or disks "which serve to accommodate the metal coils between them. These disks are adjustably mounted on threaded shafts 1i so that coils of varying widths may be carried by the cradle. The adjustment is made by means offnuts I2 which are moved forth or back on nuts I2 can thus be driven in unison.

drive end to the center of the cradle are two driving shafts 80 journalled in and extending through supporting tube'8l and journalled into the end of fixed support shaft at 80. The support tube 8I' and shaft 84''- are secured to the machine frame II at the outer endsby bearing brackets 88 and at the inner ends by'beaiing brackets 89", and these brackets are bolted to part of the frame I4. Each of the shafts 80 has a gear 8| mounted thereon and .the gears are driven by a common pinion 82 meshing with-both of them. The pinion in turn is driven by one of two hydraulic motors I20 or III respectively (see Fig. 8).. I

Extending from th ward movement. When the piston is in this position it is completely extended and is in substantial'alignment with a platform I08 of the machine frame. The top part of the piston I01 is square shaped as shown in Fig. 4, with the edges projecting beyond theperiphery of the piston walls. The surface of this top piece is slight v 1y concave to generally correspond with the periphei'y of the coil during loading of the same (see Fig. 6, in which the coil is about to be moved onto said top piece I"). A shoulder is cut into a part of the top piece. the purpose of which will be later explained. Piston I0 is closely fitted into the sleeve I08 by means of a packing nut I08 and a ring of suitable packing material. Fig, '7 shows the piston in retracted position.

A third portion of the loading mechanism designed to cooperate with the carrying members 88 and the pistons III in the adjustment ofthe coil comprises two rocking members III, which are shown in different positions in Figs. 5. 6 and 7. These members are substantlallytriangular Within the machine frame intermediate the provided,'which are supported by'tubes 8i and shafts 84'. v

; disks I0 eight carrying members or links 88 are 7 Bushings 02' snow areinterposedbetweenthe driving shaft and the tube 8|- in order to provide clearance for independent rotation of said parts. Shaft 80 is provided with a shoulder "8| which carries a pinion 82 engaging with a gear 88 at either side.

These last mentioned gears are keyed on shafts 84, which are journalled in the carrying members 88, so as to be rotatable therein; carriers 88 are in turn pivoted on tubes 8| and shafts 84. The shafts 84 are driven by gears 1 83 when pinion 82 is rotated bymeans' ofthe above mentioned driving mechanism. The rolls 88 forcarrying the coil are mounted onesaid. shafts. Gears 8: are made in halves allowing the key to be removed, shaft 84 pulled out endwise and roll 85 removed for resurfacing.

l'lach roll carrying shaft 84 carries four "rolls which are placed at approximately regular inter! vals along said-shafts. Since these rolls are of known construction it is not necessary to d'e-- in shape and are pivotally mounted at the apex on shafts 8i and 84. Both sides of said rock} ing members are shaped to formrfianges .I I4 and IIS which engage with correspondingly formed recesses II: in frame I08 and shoulder I08-.in

top squares I01 of the portions illrespectively.

A semi-circula'r slot m is provided on: said members which allows them to drop toa lower 1 position when the flanges I and H5 are disengaged,asshowninFlg.7.

. The operation of thiscoilloading. mechanism isas follows. When the coil cradleis redy to receive a new coil 9. tmclronthelikewill ,be

'- placed close to platformi08 for delivering-the new coil onto the cradle. At this timemember III will be placed so as to lie in alignmentwith platform I08 by raising the-piston which-supports member m at the right-handend, the left-hand flange II! fitting intore'cess II2;.- As iti's' rolled from the platform to membenIII the on presses down the left-hand set of rolls. to .the position shown in Fig; 5. It will be understood that the member III forms a 'guideway for the coil during its passage over th rolls until it reaches its final position. 7 As soon. as the coil has pressed down the second'set 9f.,rOllers and is .T about to passthe center of the cradle it will scribe them in detail except to say. that they cooperateto provide a rolling support for acolli I I r. I Q 31:

The mechanism for easily transferringacoil to the rollers "when the apparatus is to belcaded thereon.

is best shown in Figs. 5, 6 and'I. This mechanism includes the carrying members 88 which consist of an end plate 01 anda portion 88 projecting .therefrom and being shaped to accom-. modate the rollers 85 over part; of their length.

The coil adjusting mechanism moreover comprises two hydraulically operated elevators I00 arranged along the center line of the cradle adjacent to the innermost rolls thereof. These ele; vators I00 each consist of a cylinder IOI with come arrest on thepiston' to'pjiIIlwhich has Y previouslybt n raised'fiQQ PD rVthe' substantial alignment of member I'I'I 'withfplatform I08 (Fflg. 6)". j Whenj he coil rests on 01, the piston m will be, lowered to" take meponnon shown in Figilythe'poil b'ein'g passed ontofthe rollers of theiright hanli set. where it fi'inally reaches a I positioniin which it is'supportefd byall the rolls.

' supporting-nanglefFi'g. 7). Since the supportshown inFigJI.

an oil supplypipe I 8! connecting it to a reservoir (not shown) from which itmay receive 011 under pressure. A piston I04 is slidably mounted in a sleeve I00 closely. fitted to the top of-cylinder IN, and is exposed at its end to the oil pressure in the cylinder. The piston includes a shoulder I05 at the bottom end which looks it against an abutment in sleeve I08, thus limiting'its upwithth'e' members 88 now tilted to'the proper ing members are free to rotateon their shafts the rolls willremain in engagement 'with the surface of the coil as the diameter of the same decreases. The members II I, which are no longer held in engagement with the recesses I08 and] I2 7 respectively, have droppedinto the position- Fig. 8 shows the arrangement mechanism and the hydraulic system. The latter comprises a main pipe: line I .anda number of branch lines which circulate a liquid (usually tively low pressure of the liquid is converted into high pressure for driving several hydraulic mo- .of; the driving tors, the function of which will be described below.

A motor for driving the rolls of the upper coil cradle is designatedby I29; another motor for driving the rolls of the lowercradle by I2I. I22

and I23 are pumps delivering the high pressure oil for the motors I29 and I2I respectively, both motors being provided with the usual reversing valves I29 and I25. Limit switches I25 and I21 are provided for electric control, the function of which, as has already been mentioned is to control the delivery of strip from the cradle to the flexing mechanism as described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2. The pump is set manually ed in cylinder I35 andconnected to the movable part of the motor I29 by a piston rod I31. The piston I35 is in turn controlled by an electrically operated valve I39 controlled by a solenoid G in Fig. 9.

The minimum and maximum volume of pump I29 is controlled by piston I slidably mounted in cylinder I, the piston I being in turn govemed by a valve I55 which is in communication with a measuring device, schematically shown at I19, for controlling the length of metal strip fed into the machine. Valve I55 is actuated by solenoid C. A measuring device as used here is, for instance, described in my U. 8. Patent No.

' 2,307,777 dated January 12, 1943.

The driving mechanism of the flexing device is operated through a motor I29 by the following arrangement: n the motor shaft a pinion I39 is mounted which meshes with a gear 235 journalled on a shaft 23I, which also carries a pinion 232 and a sprocket 234. The latter is connected gaging or disengaging roll 35. The pinion 232 engages with a gear 233 mounted coaxially with the lower feed roll 59 of said flexing mechanism.

When the machine is started the clutch between sprocket 231 and shaft 35 is set for engaging roll 35 which in turn is driven in unison with roll 59 for feeding strip into the breaker mechanism.

During regular operation the drive to roll 35 is disengaged and roll 59 will do all the feeding of stock through the breaker, the breaker rolls and roll 35 are driven by the movement of thestrip therethrough.

The breaker roll lifting mechanism described above is operated by a device comprising a cylinder I41 and a piston I49 slidably mounted therein.

, The action of this piston is controlled by a valve In which is electrically operated by a solenoid D (Fig. 9)

Feed rolls I and h and straightening rolls g are operatively connected with a constant displacement motor I51 whose action is controlled by valves I53 and I59 which are actuated by solenoids A and B (Fig. 9), one being a feed forward and one a feed rever e actuating means. Check and relief valves are shown at I99 and "I while I62 is a back-check valve. The flow of the liquid under pressure in this part of the system may be seen by following the'arrows in Big. 8. vIt is delivered by pump I95, flows into a manifold I", passes from there through valve- I59 into the motor I51, leaves the same through the lower pipe passing through valves I9I and I52 back into the manifold I54 and through pipe 0 back to reservoir The adjustment of pump I45 to a minimum or maximum speed is controlled by set screws I55 and I54, I54 for slow speed and I55 for high speed. Piston rod I49 shifts pump to high or slow speed at the proper time during the cycle of the feed. I59 is a part of the pump-which pivots about shaft I5I to change the volume of fluid delivered. I53 is a pressure relief valve for this part of the hydraulic system.

' The wiring diagram showing the electrical connections is illustrated in Fig. 9. L1 and L are the main lines carrying current of 440 volts from. a power source to a transformer "I where it is transformed to current of volts to supply ,the control circuit. 292 is the primary, 293 the secondary of the transformer. Connected in the power circuit are a number of solenoids, A to H, which are adapted to be energized and to control valves for operating the hydraulic motors, as will more fully appear in the following description. Each of the solenoids has associated thereto an electromagnetic relay comprising a coil and one or more contacts, the closing of one of which will a selector switch 249, which is shown in the off position, is manually set to take one of the positions drawn in dotted lines. In case switch 243 is moved down to take the lower position, switch 259 is closed manually. A circuit will then be estab-, lished with current flowing'through line 299 and contact 25I to line 2-19 on one side of the secondary 293 and lines 3 I2, 399, coil (3 to line 282 on the other side of the secondary 293.

In the other case, with switch being moved to the upper position, the automatic switch 0 comes into action, the circuit being the same as outlined above.

After the machine has thus been started with the energization of coil C all the other necessary contacts will follow in proper order.

The operation of the breaker machine during the inching period is started by pressing down button 255, which closes contact 255'. Current 'gized causing the breaker to operate in slow speed.

Except at this time, and during the actuation of reverse and stop buttons, C is always energized. The closing of contact 296 would at the same time cause energization of solenoid D over line 325 and normally closed contact 326; D is the solenoid which actuates the breaker roll lifting device. As it is not desirable to have the breaker rolls work before a strip has been fed through to roll 50, a button 324 is provided which is pressed down at the same time as button 255. A circuit is thus established from 293 over line 210, contact 25I, line 238, button 324, coil line 262, back to the transformer, which opens contact 326. After stock has been fed through to roll 50, button 324 is released, allowing solenoid D to become energized and causing the breaker rolls to close.

The third contact which is closed by energization of coil C", viz., 291, establishes a circuit over line 298, line 265, contact 256, line 238, contact 25I, line 210, secondary of transformer, line 262, coil C", limit switch P and line 299 backto'291, which will be interruptedeither automatically by limit switch P or manually by button 256, in case the breaker rolls ought to be stopped because of the irregularities in the feeding of the strip or for some other reason.

,When the stock reaches rolls f it is inched through straightener and feed-out rolls.

By pushing button 254 down to take the position 254 the feeding machine will start operating at slow speed as lon as this button is held down. Current in this case will flow from 293 over line 210, contacts 25I, 252, 253, line 214, 254, line 3I3, line 309, coil 0 line 262 back to 293, energizing solenoid H which controls the resetting of the dial in the strip length measuring device. Coil C is energized a slight time later by closing of contact 26I, and solenoid A will become operative,

which governs the constant displacement motor I51 by valve I58 and actuates the rolls 1, g and h on the feed-out side of the flexing device. After buttons 254 and 255, which are pressed down at the start only, have been released, the following circuits come into action. Current flows from secondary 293 over line 210, contacts 25I, 252, 253, line 214, contacts 254, 255, line .300, coil C line 262 back to secondary 293; coil C having become energized, closes contacts 269 and 269. By closing of contact 268 a circuit is established over line 251, limit switch M, through coil C line 262, coil 0 limit'switch N, line 211, back to contact 268. Coils C andC remain deenergized as long as the circuit to C is open.

By energizing coil 0, contacts 26I, 263and 264 have also been closed, the latter connecting L over solenoid H to L th'us energizing solenoid H and actuating the resetting dial for the strip length measuring device mentioned above. At. the same time the energizaticn of coil C has closed contact 219 which makes the connection of L over solenoid C to L possible, energizing solenoid C and actuating control valve I56 which positions both breaker and feed pumps to operate the machine at a predetermined rate of speed.

The closing of contact 263 causes establish-1 ment of a circuit ,over lines 265, 298,- contact 291, line 299, line 363 back to 263, the purpose of which will appear later on.

-By closing of contact 26I current is also flowing through lines 3I I, 306, 214 over contacts'253. 252, 25I and line 210 to secondary 293 andback through the line 262, coil C limit switch M, line 3I0 to 26I. The energization of coil 0 is dependent on button 250 and C is dependent on dotted line C. Contact 259 maintains the energi'zation of C and C after 256 is released until the contact of limit switch M is broken.

The electric control system so far described is used principally for starting the machine and getting it into normal operation; Provisions have also been made for automatic control of the speed of the strip being "fed from breaker to feed rolls. The electric means serving for the control of this part of the system comprises a circuit consisting of line 292, coil C line 323, limit switch Q, normally closed, line 261, contact 256, button 25I, line 210 and secondary 293. Solenoid 0 which is energized, closes contact 280. This circuit and another circuit, which will bedescribed directly hereafter, are adapted to e'nergizeand deenergize respectively a solenoid G which govern the change of speed in the driving mechanism of breaker only. As mentioned before, this solenoid actuates valve I39, which, through piston I 35, controls a slight change in speed of motor I29. In case the rate of feeding of strip is v too fast, limit switch R, normally open, is closed I by metal strip S, hanging down and tripping said switch (Fig. 1), thereby completing a circuit from line 262, over coil C line 322, switch R, line 286,: contact 280, line 28I, contact 256, button 25I, line 210, secondary 293 back to 262.

The energization of coil C causes contacts 282, 283 to be closed, thereby on the one hand con- 2 necting L through contacts 232 through solenoid G to- L thus energizing solenoid G. 'On' the other hand the contacts 283 provide a shuntfor C to remain energized in case switch R opensagain. The shunt comprises contact 283 and line 284.

If the speed of the feed rolls is becoming too slow, limit switch Q (Fig. 1) is tripped by' strip S and is caused to open. In this case the flow of current is interrupted, 0011 C is deenergized, contact 280 is opened and the circuit for the energization of G is likewise broken. By deenergizing G the action of control valve I39 on piston I35 is reversed and. speed is increased. While the circuit is momentarily interrupted by the opening of switch Q, current is still flowing from secondary 293 over line 210, button 25I, contact 256, line 265 over line 298 to contact 1291, lines 299, 363, contact 263, back to the other side of line 265, so that the operation of the, machine remains uninterrupted.

In case it is intended to reverse the action of the feed rolls, switch 253- is pushed down to take the contact position shown in dotted lines (Fig. 9). from line of contact 253, coil C line 262, energizing coil;C which in turn closes contact 216, connecting L over solenoid ".B to L, energizing B. The latter actuates valve I59 (Fig. 8) which controls motor I51 and reverses its action. I

In a similar manner the direction of motors I 28 may be reversed by energizing solenoid E. For this purpose the button of contact 252 is' pressed down to take the position shown in dotted lines, current flowing from line 210 over contact 25I, line 212', coil C toline 262, contact 213 being closed, solenoid E being energized, actuating valve I30 for the control of motor I28 (Fig. 8).

Apart from the switches already mentioned the circuit may be broken and the operation of the machine as a whole interrupted by opening contact 25I, being in line 210, which is one of the main lines for connecting the secondary 293 I this case current is caused to flow 210 over. the contacts 25I, line 21I, J

a open up a passageway the flexing operation, means forthe metal strip means 1 strip'fromt'sald coil cradle I mechanism, said 6 of the transformer, whereas the opening of con tact 256 will only stop the breaker.

Other modes of applying the principle of invention may be explained, change mechanism herein stated by any of the following claims or the equivalent of such stated means be employed.

beingmade as regards the on employed instead of the one cradle, a flexing device for the metal strip, means.- for feeding the metal strip from said coil cradles disclosed, provided the means s to said flexing device, electric means for controlqling the speed of said metal strip to the flexing device and on its passage therethrough and hydraulic power means for operating said feeding mechanism, said hydraulic power means comprising a pump-motor unit for the upper coil Wetherefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as our invention:

1: In a'metalstrip fee in hanism in com bination' a pairof adjustable coil cradles, a flexa ing device for themetal strip, comprising a plurality of s of breakenrolls, one-mounted above 'theiother, the lower setof said said flexing device guide rolls and twosets breaker rolls being pivotally' I mounted to be capable" of swinging downward to for introducing the metal strip'before starting for alternately feeding the of said coil cradles-to and through. said flexing device, a plurality of limit switches controlling the speed during the-passage through said flexmetal strip from one.

said feeding; mechanism and electric control means for said hydraulic means. 3 2.,-In a metal strip feeding mechanism in combinationajpair of coil cradles, a flexing'device ingdevice, hydraulic power means for-operating means comprising a pump-motor unit for the cradle, a pump-motor unit for the lower coil cradle, electric control means for regulating the operation of said units, a variable displacement -motor for driving the rolls of said flexing device, valves for reversing the motor action, another valve controlling the speed of said motor, and

electric control means for actuating all of said valves. i U

6. In a metal strip feeding mechanism in corn- :bination an upper coil cradle and a lower coil cradle, a flexing device for the metal strip, means for feeding metal strip from said coil cradles to said flexing device, said flexing device comprising a plurality of feed rolls and two sets of breaker rolls one mounted above the other, an

adjusting mechanism for the lower setof breaker rolls and hydraulic power means for operating, said feeding mechanism, said hydraulic power i upper, coil cradle, a pump-motonunitfor the forthemetal strip, said flexing device comprising a plurality of guide rolls and two sets .of adiusta ble breaker rolls, means for feeding the metal strip from said coil cradles to and through said flexing J device, guiding means for guiding ,said stripasitleaves the flexing mechanism, said guiding means comprising a movable bar adapted to be lifteddnto engagement for controlling the speed of said'rn'etal strip jion lower coil cradle, electric control means for regulating the operation of said units, a variable displacement motor for driving'the'rolls of said 7 flexing device and valves forreversing the motor action, another valve controlling the speed of said motor and electric control means foractuat- Q35 with said strip each time the feeding ofstrip is started, electric means its way to's'ald flexing ,device andelectric means;

the passage through operating said feedingimechanism vT3: In a metal-strip bination, apairof adjustable coll cradle's part I of thead'justing mechanism being automaticand flexingjde part'of it beingfseparately operated,a vice for the metal strip, said flexingdevicecom prlslnga plurality of guide rollsjand a double set of breaker rolls, means "for feedingithe metal strip from said coil cradles to said flexing device, a plurality of electricmeans for controlling the speed of said metal-stripon its passage to and throughsaid flexing devic other electric, means for interrupting the feed after the measured length of strip has been operated on, a plurality a of pumps and hydraulic motor units'for operatlng saidffeeding mechanism and'electric control a conditioning device to said conditioning device, t through and out, of the same, means for controlling the speed of said metal strip on its entire passage through said mechanism and hy-j draullc power means for operating'said feeding ing'said valves, and actuating means forv said breaker roll'adjusting mechanism.

inatlon an upper coil cradle and a lower coil fcradle, a flexing device for themetal strip, means forfeeding metal strip from said coil cradles to 'sj aid flexingdevice, said flexing devicecomprising a plurality of feed rolls and two sets of nea er rolls one mounted" abovethe other, an adjusting mechanism for the lower set of breaker rolls and hydraulic power means for operating said feeding mechanism, said hydraulic power *mea'ns comprising a purnp-motor unit for the upper coil cradle, a pump-motor unit for the lower coil cradle, a pump-motor unit for drivin the feed rolls and the breakerrolls of said flexing device, an electrically controlled actuating means for said breaker roll adjusting mechanism and control valves for the setting of a feed device for for feeding the metal 1 .3 p e ng mechanism, said hydraulic D wer means comprisingv aPump-motor unit for r hydraulic power means1com- I prising a pump-motorunit for driving said coil a measured lengthof strip. I

i 8. In a metal stripfeeding mechanism in combination an upper coll cradle and a lower coll cradle, a flexing device for the metal strip, means for feeding a'measured length of metal strip fromsaid coll cradles through said flexing device, said flexing devicecomprising aplurality of feed rolls and two sets of breaker rolls one fmounted above the other, an adjusting mechanism for the lower set of breaker rolls, a plurality offeed out rolls at the delivery side of said flexing device, and hydraulic power means for operflexing device-and one pair of valves for reversing the motor action, another valve controlling the speed of said motor and electric control means for actuating said valves, actuating means :In a metal strip feeding mechanism in comfrom said coil cradle to said conditioning device,

through and out of the same, hydraulic power means for operating said feeding mechanism, and electric means for controlling the speed of said metal strip on its entire passage through said mechanism, said electric means comprising a power circuit, a transformer, a plurality of auxiliary circuits, including a secondary of said transformer, for closing said powercircuit, a plurality of solenoids in said powercircuit controlled from said auxiliary circuits, said solenoids being adapted to actuate valves in said hydraulic power means and thereby to control the operation of said hydraulic power means. v

10. In a metal strip feeding mechanism in combination a coil cradle, aconditioning device for the metal strip, means for feeding the metal strip from said coil cradle to said rconditioning device, through, and out ofthe same,hydraulic power means for operating said feeding mechanism, said hydraulic power, means comprising a pumpmotor unit for driving said coil cradle, a pump-motor unit for driving the rolls of the conditioning device, another pump-motor unit for driving feed-out rolls at the delivery side of said conditioning device, .control valves associated with the two last-mentioned pump-motor units, and electric means for controlling the hydraulic system, said electric means comprising a power circuit, a transformer, a plurality of auxiliary circuits, including a secondary of said transformer for closing said power circuit, a plurality of solenoids in said power circuit, said solenoids being adapted to actuate said valves in said hydraulic power means and thereby to control the operation of said hydraulic power means. 7

11. In a metal strip feeding mechanism in combination anupper coil cradle and a lower coil cradle, a, flexing device for the metal strip,- means for. alternately feeding the metal strip from one of said coil cradles to said flexing device, hydraulic power means for operatingsaid feeding mechanism, said hydraulic power means comprising a adapted to actuate the valve for motor action in forward direction, another of said auxiliary cir-' cuits'comprising ajsolenoid adapted to actuate the 'val've' for reverse motor action, a third aux- ,iliary circuit comprising a solenoid adapted to actuate the speed controlvalve.

12. In a metal feeding mechanism in combination an upper coil cradle and a lower coil cradle, a flexing device for the metal strip, means for v alternately feeding the metal strip from one of saidcoil cradles to said flexing device, a breaker roll adjusting mechanism associated with said flexing mechanism, feed-out rolls at the delivery side of the flexing device, hydraulic power means for operating said feeding mechanism, said hydraulic power means comprising apump-motor unit for the upper coil cradle, a pump-motor unit for the lower coil cradle, electric control means for regulating the speed of said units, a variable displacement motor for driving the rolls of said flexing device, a pair of valves for governing the direction of the motor, another valve controlling the speed of said motor, a constant displacement pump-motor unit for driving the feed-out rolls, 7

ing a power circuit, a transformer, a plurality of auxiliary circuits including the secondary of said a transformer for closing said power circuit, one of said auxiliary circuits comprising a solenoid adapted'tq actuate the valve for motoraction in forward direction, another of said auxiliary circuits comprising a solenoid actuating the valve for reverse motor action, another of said auxiliary circuits comprising a solenoid adapted to actuate said valve for controllingsaid breaker'roli adjusting mechanism in unison with said motor action in forward direction.

13. In a metal strip feeding mechanism in combination an upper coil cradle and a lower coil cradle, a flexing device for the metal strip, means for alternately feeding the metal strip from one of said coil cradles to said flexing device, hydraulic power means for operating said feeding mechanism, said hydraulic power means comprising a pump-motor unit for the upper coil cradle, a pump-motor unit for the lower coil cradle, limit switches for regulating the speed of said units, a pump-motor unit for driving the rolls of said flexing device, a pump-motor unit for driving the feed-out rolls at the delivery side of said flexing device, valves for governing the direction of the two last mentioned motors, another valve controlling the speed of said motor for driving the rolls in said flexing device and electric control means for actuating said valves, said electric means comprising a power circuit, a transformer, a plurality of auxiliary circuits including the secondary of said transformer for closing said 1 power circuit, two of said auxiliary circuits comprising a solenoid each adapted to actuate the valves for motor action in forward direction, two

others of said auxiliary circuits comprising a solenoid each adapted to actuate the valves for" reverse motor action, and another auxiliary circuit comprising a solenoid adapted to actuatethe speed control valve.

14. In a metal feeding mechanism in combination an upper coil cradle and a lower coil cradle, a flexing device for the metal strip, meansfor feeding a measured length of the metal strip from said coil cradles to said flexing device, means for setting the measuring device for said strip length, feed-out rolls at the delivery side of the flexing device, hydraulic power means for operating said feeding mechanism, said hydraulic power means comprising a pump-motor unit for the up,-

per coil cradle, a pump-motor unit for the lower coil cradle, limit switches for regulating the speed of said units, a variable displacement motor for driving the rolls of said flexing device, a pair of valves for governing the direction of said motor, another valve controlling the speed of said motor,

a constant displacement pump-motor unit for driving the feed-out rolls, valves for. controlling the direction of said feed-out rolls, a valve for iliary circuits comprising a solenoideach, one for controlling. thesetting and the other the driving of ,the strip lengthmeas uring device.

15. Ina metjal strip feeding mechanism in com bination, anjupper, coil cradle and a lower coil cradle, a flexing device for the metal-strip, means for feeding strip from said coil cradles to said flexing device, pivotally mounted means insaid flexing device adapted alternately to engage a metal strip from said upper or lower coil cradle respectively when it is fed to the-flexing device, said flexing device, comprising a plurality of guide rolls andtwo sets of'breaker rolls, means for feeding the metal stripthrough said flexing device, electric means including a plurality of limit switches for controlling the speed of said metal strip through said flexing device, hydraulic power means for operating said feeding mechanism and electric control means for said hydraulic means.

16. In. ametal strip feeding mechanism in combination a pair of adjustable coil cradles, a flexing device for the metal strip, said flexing device comprising a plurality of guide rolls and two sets of breaker rolls, one mounted above the other, the lower set of said breaker rolls being mounted to'open up a passageway for introducing the metal strip before starting the flexing operation, ineans for alternately feeding the metal strip from one of said coil cradles to and through said flexing device, electric means for controlling the speed i of -said metal strip on its way to and through said flexing device and hydraulic power means for operating said feeding mechanism and electric control means for said hydraulic means. 7

17. In a metal strip feeding mechanism in combination a pair of adjustable coil cradles, a flexing device (or the metal strip, said flexing device comprising a plurality of guide rolls and two sets of breaker rolls, one of said guide rolls having a guide shoe pivotally mounted to cooperate therewith in the initial feeding of said strip and capable of being cammed out of said cooperating position during a period of continuous feeding,

means for alternately feeding the metal strip frombne of said coil cradles to and through said flexing, device, electric means for controlling the speed of said metal strip on its way to said flexing device and a plurality of limit switches controlling the speed during the passage through said flexing device, hydraulic power means for o'perating said feeding mechanism and electric control:

means for said hydraulic means.

18. In a metal strip feeding mechanism in combination a pair of adjustable coil cradles, a flexing device for the metal strip, said flexing device comprising a plurality of guide rolls and two sets of breaker rolls, one mounted above the other, the lower set of said breaker rolls being mounted to open up a passageway for introducing the metal strip before starting the flexing operation, means fonalternately feeding the metal strip from one o said coil cradles to" and through said flexing e, piston operated means for-actuating said lo'vijersetiof breaker rolls in timed relation with comprising a pair-of parallel's'up'po'rting and drivof breaker rolls, means for alternately feeding a.

measured length of the metal strip from one of said coil cradles to and through said flexing-device, guiding means for guiding the strip as it leaves the flexing mechanism before'it reaches successive gripping rolls, electric" means for controlling the speed of said metal strip on its way to said flexing device and a. plurality of limit switches controlling the speed during the passage through said flexing device,,hydraulic power means for operating saidfeeding mechanism and electric control meansforsaid'hydraulic means.

v2O. In a metal strip fe eding'mechanism comprising hydraulicpower' means for operating said mechanism and electric control means for said hydraulic means, in combination, a coil cradle ing shafts, tubes to receive said driving shafts over parts of their length, means to rotatably support the ends of said driving'shafts, a plurality of carrying members on said supporting in combination, a coil cradle comprising a pair of parallel supporting and driving shafts, supporting tubes to receive said driving shafts over parts of their length, means to rotatably support the ends of said driving shafts, a plurality of carrying members on said supporting shafts and on said supporting tubes respectively mounted for rockingmovement on their supports, each of said carrying members being adapted to rotatably support a pair of roll carrying shafts, rolls on said lastmentioned shafts adapted to rock with said carrying members while being rotated on said roll carrying shafts and power'transmission means between,,all of said shafts whereby rotation of the driving shafts and the roll carry-- ing shafts will occur simultaneously.

22. In a metal strip feeding mechanism comprising power means for operating said mechanism, in combination, a coil cradle comprising a pair of parallel supporting and driving shafts,

supporting tubes to receive said driving shaftsv platform of the machine frame for receiving a cell at the time the cradleis loaded.

28. In a metal strip feeding mechanism comprising power means for operating said mechanism in combination, a coil cradle comprising a pair of parallel supportingand driving shafts, supporting tubes to receive said driving shafts over parts of their length, means to rotatably support the ends of said driving shafts, a plurality of carrying members on said supporting shafts and on said supporting tubes respectively mounted for rocking movement on their supports, each of said carrying members being adapted to rotatably support a pairof roll carrying shafts, rolls on said last mentioned shafts adapted to rock with said carrying members, a coil guiding member pivotally mounted on the one of said supporting tubes nearer to the coil receiving side of the cradle, said coil guiding member being adapted to perform a rocking movement independently of the rocking movement of the carrying members and adapted to lie in alignment with a platform of the machine frame for receiving the coil at the time the cradle is loaded.

24. In a metal strip feeding mechanism comprising power means for operating said mechanism in combination, a coil cradle comprising a pair of parallel supporting and driving shafts, supporting tubes to receive said driving shafts over parts of their length, means to rotatably support the ends of said driving shafts, a plurality of carrying members on said supporting shafts and on said supporting tubes respectively mounted for rocking movement on their supports,

each of saidcarrying members being adapted to rotatably support a pair of roll carrying shafts, rolls on said last mentioned shafts adapted to rock with said carrying members, two coil guiding membersone mounted to pivot about the one of said supporting shafts nearerto the coilreceiving side' of'the cradle and the other mounted on the one of the supporting tubes on said side, said coil guiding members being adapted .to perform a rocking movement independently of the rocking movement of the carrying members, and to lie in alignment with a platform of the machine frame in shoulders formed on said frame for receiving the coil at the time the cradle is loaded.

25. In a metal strip feeding mechanism comprising power means for operating said mechanism in combination, a coil cradle comprising a prising power means for operating said mechanism in combination, a coil cradle comprising a pair of parallel supporting and driving shafts. supporting tubes to receive said drivlng'shafts over parts of their length, means to rotatably support the ends of said driving shafts, a plurality of carrying members on said supporting shafts and on said supporting tubes respectively mounted for rocking movement on their supports, each of said carrying members being adapted to rotatably support a pair of roll carrying shafts, rolls on said last mentioned shafts adapted to rock with said carrying members, two coil guiding members one mounted to pivot about the one of said supporting shafts nearer to the coil receiving side of the cradle and the other mounted on the supporting tube on said side, said coil guide members being of substantially triangular shape with the apex journalled to their supports so as to perform a rocking movement independently of the rocking movement of the carrying members, and having flanges extending from each of the other corners adapted to lie in shoulders of the machine frame, an elongated platform being formed thereby on the machine frame for receivingthe coil at the time the cradle is loaded.

27. In a metal strip feeding mechanism comprising power means for operating said mechanism in combination, a coil cradle comprising a pair of parallel supporting and driving shafts, supporting tubes to receive said driving shafts over parts of their length, means to rotatably support the ends of said driving shafts, a plurality of carrying members on said supporting shafts and on said supporting tubes respectively mounted for rocking movement on their supports, each of said carrying members being adapted to rotatably support a, pair-of roll carrying shafts, rolls on said last mentioned shafts adapted to rock with said carrying members, two coil guiding members one pivotally mounted on one of said supporting shafts nearer to the coil receiving side of the cradle and the other pivotally mounted on the supporting tube on said side, said coil guide members being substantially triangularly shaped with the apex joumalled on an axis corresponding to the axis of the supporting shaft so as to perform a rocking movement indepair of parallel supporting and driving shafts,

supporting tubes to receive said driving shafts over parts of their length, means to rotatably support the ends of said driving shafts,- aplurality of carrying members on said supporting shafts and on said supporting tubes respectively mounted for rocking movement on their supports, each of said carrying members being adapted to rotatably support a pair of roll carrying shafts,

rolls on said last mentioned shafts adapted to rock with said carrying members, two coil guiding members one mounted to pivot about the one of said supporting shafts nearer to the coil receiving side of the cradle and the other mounted on the supporting tube on said side, said coil guiding members being adapted to perform a rocking movement independently of the rocking movement of the carrying members and further adapted to lie in alignment with a platform of the machine frame while receiving the coil at the time the cradle is loaded and to be tilted to an angle and to drop from engagement with the coil surface during the operation of themachine. 26. In a metal strip feeding mechanism compendently of the rocking movement of the carrying members, and having flanges extending from each of the other corners adapted to lie in shoul ders oi the machine frame, an elongated platform being formed thereby on th machine frame for receiving the coil at the time the cradle is loaded, said coil-guiding members being further adapted to be tilted to an angle and drop from engagement with the surface of said coil during uncoiling.

28. In a metal strip feeding mechanism comprising hydraulic power means for operating said mechanism and electric control means for said hydraulic means in combination, a coil cradle comprising a pair of parallel supporting and driving shafts, supporting tubes to receive said driving shafts over parts of their length, means to rotatably support the ends of said driving shafts, a plurality of carrying members on said support-= ing shafts and on said supporting tubes respectively mounted for rocking movement on their supports, each of said carrying members being adapted to rotatably support a. pair of-roll-carrying shafts, rolls on said last mentioned shafts adapted to rock with said shafts and to be rotated simultaneously with said driving shafts, and a coil transfer member arranged between the censhafts and on said supporting tubes respectively. e s r rf m me t e ?lhir possesses of said carrying membersbeing adapted temtatamy "support a pair of roll-carrying fshaftsfiolls on said-last mentioned shafts adapted *torock-witlrsaidgshafts and to be rotatedsimultaneously-zwith said driving shafts, and twoicoil- 2 transfer .rnembersr rsymmet ricall'y .iarranged xbe tween the central pair ofroll carrying shafts, each of saidtransfer members" comprising a cylinder, a verticallymovable piston in said-cylinder, afsubstantially*-ehoriaonta2l i top -plate adapted 'ternpo- 7 *rarily to receive -said coil of-"ir'i'etal strip and to support-it :ouring osinsmng or the sr us n; the

amember; onxz'said piston,; said top .member' being slightly concave andthavingr'a shoulder formed '30, Ina metal strip feeding mechanism. com- 7 in combination, a coil cradle comprising; a

pair of parallel'su'pportins and driving Shana,

supporting tubes to receive said driving shafts ovefparts of their length, means to rotatably ,prisi'ngopowerr means for operating said mechasupport'the ends of said driving shafts, a plurality .of carrying members. on said. supporting shafts and on saidsupporting tubes respectively for rocking movementon theirsupportsieach"of "said carrying members being adapted torotatably-support a piiir" of roll-carrying shafts, rolls on said last mentioned shafts adapted "to rock with said shafts" and t'obe rotated simultaneously with said driving shafts, and two coll transfer members-symmetrically arranged between the central pair of roll-carrying shafts, each of said transfer members comprising a cylinderpa 'vertically: reciprocating piston responsive to liquid under pressure in said cylinder, a horizontal top memberon said piston, said top member being slightly concave for receiving 1 said coil ofmetal strip when :thepiston is in the'extended position. i 31s Inn metal strip feedingmechanism'comprising power-means for operating said mechanismin combination, a coil-cradle comprisin'g'a pair 'of parallel supporting. and driving -'shaf-ts,

supporting tubes to receive said driving shafts over. partsof their length, means to rotatably support the ends of said driving shafts, a plurality of carrying-"members'ion'said' supporting shafts and on said supporting tubes respectively mounted for rocking movement on their supports, each of said carrying members being adapted to rotatably support aipain-of roll-carrying shafts, .rolls on said; last; mentioned shafts adapted to roclrwith saidrshafts and to be rotatedsimultaneously with saiddriving :shafts,.-.-;two "coil-transfer 'members symmetrically arrangedbetween the central pair of roll-carrying shafts, each of said transfer members-comprising a cylinder, a vertically rev vsurenn saidcylinder,a horizontal top member on said pi ston,'- said top member being'sllg htly 'con s vanna nanngea suooider 'rermed therein for recelvinawiflange or bllf-gilldln" m'mberi s'a'id I b atrf1top -part adapteditoui insubstantial alignnfent with said ciprocatm-pistonresponsive toliquid'underpreshorizontal top member of said piston on one side and with a platform of the machine frame on the other side thereby forming an extended platform for transfer of the coil to the coil cradle.

32. In a metal strip feeding mechanism comprising hydraulic power means for operating said mechanism and electric control means for said hydraulic means in combination, a coil cradle comprising a pair of parallel supporting and driving shafts, supporting tubes to receive said driv ingshafts over parts of their length, means to rotatably support the ends of said driving shafts, a plurality of carrying members on said supporting shafts-and on' s'aid supporting tubes respectively mounted'fo'r rockingmovement on their supports, each of said carrying members being adapted to rotatably support a pair of roll-carrying shafts,

rolls-onisaid last men'tioned shafts adapted to rock with said shafts and'to be rotated simultaneously with "said' drivingshafts; and two-coil transfer -members symmetrically arranged between the central' pair" of roll carrying-shafts, each of said 'rtransfer. members-comprising a cylinder, a vertically reciprocating- -piston responsive to liquid underspressure in said cylinder, a horizontal top therein; for receiving-'aifiange of a coilguiding membeneach ofisaidcoilguiding members having a flat top part. adapted to lie in substantial alignment with said horizontal top member of said piston on. one side and with a platform of the machine frame on theother sidethereby forming an.extended platform :fortransfer ,of thecoil to the coil cradle at the time {the cradle is loaded, one of said coil uiding members being journalled on one of the supporting, shafts and the other on ,one of the supporting tubes and each'coil guiding mb rn a apted: t be -tiltfl; ;to .an.a s e andtto drop from engagement with the surfaceof said coil duringuncoilinggl n g 33.; In a eta-1 stri .fj coin Lenin prising power means for; operating said mechanism in combination, a coiljcradle comprising, a pair of parallel, supporting and. driving shafts, supporting tubes to receive said driving shafts overpartsor theirlength, means .to rotatably support the ends of said ,driv'ing shafts, a plurality ofcarrying members on saidsupporting shafts and on said supportingftubejs respectively mounted for rocking movement on their supports,

each of said'carrying members bein'gadapted' to rotatably support span of roll carrying shafts,

rolls on saidl'olst mentioned j shafts adapted to rock with said" carrying members while jeiiig rotated on said'roll carrying shafts andpowerftransmission meansbetweenall of said shaftswhereby rotation of the driving shafts and the roll carrying shafts will occur simultaneously.

'34. In a metal" strip feeding mechanism comprising power meansfor operatingsaidflrnechanism in combination, acoil cradlecompris'ing a pairor parallel supporting and driving shafts. supporting tubes to receive "said driving shafts fov'e'r parts of their length; means to rotatably support the ends of said driving shafts, a plurality of carrying members on said supporting shafts and on said supporting tubes respectively inountedfor-ro'cking movement on their supports, each of 's'aid carrying members being adapted to r sur n r 'i srmlrc nns ere: tons bri saiaiast irr nti oned shafts adapts withs'aid"c fiwihgmembers; and a coil guiding' m b -ads new;awn-m ssen sappsifun" "aft adapted to lie; alignment with a platform of the machine frame for receiving a coil at the time the cradle is loaded.

35. In a metal strip feeding mechanism comprising power means for operating said mechanism, in combination, a coil cradle comprising a pair of parallel supporting and driving shafts, Supporting tubes to receive said driving shafts over parts of their length, means to rotatably support the ends of said driving shafts, a plurality of carrying members on said supporting shafts and on said supporting tubes respectively mounted for rocking movement on their supports, each of said carrying members being adapted to rotatably support a pair of roll-carrying shafts, rolls on said last mentioned shafts adapted to rock with said shafts and to be rotated simultaneously with said driving shafts, and a coil transfer member arranged between the central pair of roll-carrying shafts, said transfer member comprising a vertically movable element and a substantially horizontal top plate for temporarily receiving said coil of metal strips.

36. In a metal strip feeding mechanism comprising power means for operating said mechanism in combination, a coil cradle comprising a pair of parallel supporting and driving shafts, supporting tubes to receive said driving shafts over parts of their length, means to rotatably support the ends of said driving shafts, a plurality of carrying members on said supporting shafts and on said supporting tubes respectively mounted for rocking movement on their supports, each of said carrying members being adapted to rotatably support a pair of roll-carrying shafts, rolls on said last mentioned shafts adapted to rock with said shafts and to b rotated sim'ul taneously with said driving shafts, and two coiltransfer members symmetrically arranged between the central pair of roll carrying shafts, each of said transfer members comprising a cylinder, a vertically movable piston in said cylinder, a substantially horizontal top plate adapted temporarily to receive said coil of metal strip and to support it during positioning on the rolls on the other side of the machine.

37. In a metal strip feeding mechanism comprising power means for operating said mechanism in combination, a coil cradle comprising a pair of parallel supporting and driving shafts, supporting tubes to receive said driving shafts over parts of their length, means to rotatably support the ends of said driving shafts, a. plurality of carrying members on said supporting shafts and on said supporting tubes respectively mounted for rocking movement on their supports, each of said carrying members being adapted to rotatably support a pair of roll-carrying shafts, rolls on said last mentioned shafts adapted to rock with said shafts and to be ro tated simultaneously with said driving shafts, and two coil-transfer members symmetrically arranged between the central pair of roll-carrying shafts, each of said transfer member comprising a cylinder, a vertically reciprocating piston responsive to liquid under pressure in said cylinder, a horizontal top member on said piston, said top member being slightly concave for receiving said coil of metal strip when the piston is in the extended position.

over parts of their length, means to rotatably support the ends of saicldriving shafts, a plurality of carrying members on said supporting shafts and on said supporting tubes respectively 10 mounted for rocking movement on their supports,

each of said carrying members being adapted to rotatably support a pair of roll-carrying shafts, rolls on said last mentioned shafts adapted to rock with said shafts and. to be rotated simult-aneously with said driving shafts, two colltransfer members symmetrically arranged between the central pair of roll-carrying shafts, eac of said transfer members comprising a cylinder, a vertically reciprocating piston responsive to liquid under pressure in said cylinder, a horizontal top member on said piston, said top member being slightly concave and having a shoulder formed therein for receiving a flange of a coil guiding member, said coil-guiding member having a fiat top part adapted to lie in substantial alignment with said horizontal top member of said piston on one side and with a platform of the machine frame on the other side thereby forming an extended platform for transfer of the coil to the coil cradle.

39. In a metal strip feeding mechanism comprising power means for operating said mecha- .nism in combination, a coil cradle comprising a pair of parallel supporting and driving shafts, supporting tubes to receive said driving shafts over parts of their length, means to rotatably support the'ends of said driving shafts, a plurality of carrying members on said supporting shafts and on said supporting tubes respectively 40 mounted for rocking movement on theirsupports, each of said carrying members being adapted to rotatably support a pair of roll-carrying simultaneously with said driving shafts, and. two

coil-transfer members symmetrically arrangedbetween the central pair of roll-carrying shafts, l

each of said transfer members comprising a cylinder, a vertically reciprocating piston responsive to liquid under pressure in said cylinder, a hori-. I

zontal top member on said piston, said top mem-' her being slightly concave and having a shoulder 1 formed therein for receiving a flange of a coil guiding member, each of said coil guiding mem- '5,5 bers having a fiat top part adapted to lie in subshafts and the other on one of the supporting tubes and each coil guiding member being adapted to be tilted to an angle and to drop from engagement with the surface of said coil during uncoiling.

ALVIN F. GROLL. MEREDITH R. HATCH.

shafts, rolls on said last mentioned shafts adapt ed to rock with said shafts and to be rotated 

